Plan your visit to Arlington over Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day is a day to honor our nation's heroes in solemn remembrance. It is a sacred day for us to reflect on the sacrifice of our fallen service members. At Arlington National Cemetery, every day we honor those who have served their country. We are the final resting place for more than 400,000 active duty service members, veterans and their families. Laying our nation's veterans and their eligible family members to rest with dignity and honor, while treating their loved ones with respect and compassion is the cornerstone of Arlington National Cemetery's mission.

Arlington National Cemetery encapsulates America's history -- a living tribute to our nation's past and how it continues to thrive through the service and sacrifice of those willing to dedicate their life to its ideals.

PLANNING YOUR VISIT DURING MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 2017

If you plan to visit Arlington National Cemetery during Memorial Day weekend, please be aware of the following events taking place:

May 25-

Flags-In

For more than 60 years, the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) has honored America's fallen heroes by placing American flags at headstones for those buried at both Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Soldier's and Airmen's Home National Cemetery.

This tradition will begin at 1 p.m. The general public is able to watch as the Soldiers work through the cemetery, however, the general public will not be permitted to participate.

Volunteers with the Honor Brigade will individually honor each of the 878 post-9/11 fallen warriors buried in Arlington National Cemetery. For more information, click here.

Run for the Wall

More than 400 motorcyclists will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Motorcyclists will only be allowed to enter the cemetery at the Southgate Road entrance (near the Air Force Memorial) no later than 9:30 a.m. in order to participate. For more information, contact Ray Wyatt at (817) 235-7408, raymond.wyatt@rftw.us.

American Legion Riders Civil War Unknown Monument Wreath Ceremony

More than 150 American Legion riders will participate in a wreath ceremony at the Civil War Unknown Monument. All riders MUST enter through the Old Post Chapel Gate, on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall no later than 12:30 p.m., in order to participate. Riders may either walk to the Civil War Unknown Monument or take the ANC Shuttle. There will be no Arlington National Cemetery access for motorcyclists for this event. For more information, contact Brian Mullins at brian.mullins@sba.gov.

May 28-

Sunrise photo shoot

For the second year, Arlington National Cemetery will host a sunrise photo shoot availability at the cemetery. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is REQUIRED. To register, click here.

May 29-

Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony in honor of President Kennedy

The U.S. Army Military District of Washington will host an Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony in honor of President John F. Kennedy at his gravesite in Arlington National Cemetery. The wreath-laying ceremony will take place at 8:30 a.m. and will mark Kennedy's 100th birthday.

National Memorial Day Observance

The annual National Memorial Day Observance to honor America's fallen service members is scheduled for Monday, May 29 at Arlington National Cemetery. The Presidential Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and will be followed by the Department of Defense's observance program in Arlington's Memorial Amphitheater.

Volunteers will hand out roses to visitors at Arlington National Cemetery. The volunteers will be stationed at the Welcome Center and Section 60 with the flowers. Visitors can then place the roses at a gravesite throughout the cemetery. For more information, click here.

Military Organization events

Many military organizations also conduct annual memorial services in the amphitheater. In addition, organizations also host memorial observances and events at Arlington. All ceremonies and special events are free and open to the public.